Decorative Paper Plate Storage Units

ABSTRACT

Paper plates currently have no designated storage space built into any kitchen, craft, or workroom. The Plate-let gives decorative storage solutions for disposable dinnerware. This solution will give convenient storage solutions without having to create an additional space in existing cabinets and drawers. The design and multiple abilities give the Plate-let flexible usage possibilities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/806,519, filed Aug. 16, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to decorative storage units and, in particular, to storage units that can house disposable dinnerware (paper plates) and utensils.

BACKGROUND

Paper plates are used by almost every household, but have no designated storage in most kitchens or anywhere they are used in private residences. Most paper plates are stored in a drawer or cabinet or just sitting out on the counter. There are known holders for paper plate products, but these allow the user to strengthen the plate for usage and do not offer storage for the ware.

Accordingly, it can be seen that a decorative, easily accessible storage unit for paper plates could be very useful in most households and anywhere paper plates are used in abundance.

SUMMARY

Generally described, the present invention relates to decorative storage units for paper plates. The basic design for the storage unit is circular or rounded in shape. However, there are variations on each unit to accommodate different storage needs. All units will have the ability to be mounted with brackets or held to a metallic surface with a magnetic strip attached to each unit. These units give the user an easy, accessible way to store disposable dinnerware (paper plates) and utensils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper plate storage unit shown in deconstructed view.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a paper plates storage unit according to a first example embodiment of the present invention, showing the unit in deconstructed view.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a paper plate storage unit according to a second example embodiment of the present invention, showing the unit in deconstructed view.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a paper plate storage unit according to a third example embodiment of the present invention, showing the unit in deconstructed view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to storage units designed specifically for disposable dinnerware (paper plates) and utensils. These units can be mounted under cabinetry in the kitchen area or on any metallic surface desired. This storage unit gives easy accessibility and decorative storage for disposable dinnerware (paper plates) and utensils that usually have no designated storage area.

FIG. 1. shows a deconstructed view of the paper plate storage unit:

-   1. User installed brackets -   2. Magnetic Ring used for holding unit to metallic surfaces -   3. Top of unit -   4. Sides of unit -   5. Bottom of unit -   6. Door hinges used to attach door to assembled unit -   7. Unit Door

FIG. 2 shows a deconstructed view of example 2 of our paper plate storage unit according to a first example embodiment of the present invention:

-   8. Unit Back, holds magnetic Strip and area for 2 sided tape to be     applied for mounting -   9. Sides of unit -   10. Door hinges used to attach door to assembled unit -   11. Door or front of unit -   12. Plate Pocket attached to unit door for the specific purpose of     holding paper plates.

FIG. 3. shows a deconstructed view of example 3 of our paper plate storage unit according to a first example embodiment of the present invention:

-   13. User installed brackets -   14. Magnetic Ring used for holding unit to metallic surfaces -   15. Top of unit -   16. Side and inside support walls -   17. Back of unit -   18. Bottom of unit -   19. Door hinges used to attach door to assembled unit -   20. Door or front of unit

FIG. 4. shows a deconstructed view of example 4 of our paper plate storage unit according to a first example embodiment of the present invention:

-   21. User installed brackets -   22. Magnetic Ring used for holding unit to metallic surfaces -   23. Left side of unit built slightly smaller than right side, all in     one piece meant to slide inside of right side of unit -   24. Unit connecting fastener, holds two halves of unit together to     give the unit the ability to swivel open and closed. -   25. Right side of unit built slightly larger than left side, all in     one piece meant to slide over the left side of unit -   26. Future unit designs will have an apparatus that allows the paper     plates to be dispensed mechanically, and in addition will be     constructed in any one of the pliable but sturdy materials available     today and in the future (i.e. wood, plastic, polymers, glass,     metals, etc.). 

We claim:
 1. A dinnerware storage unit comprising: (a) a front panel having an inside surface, an outside surface, a top side, and a bottom side, wherein said front panel further comprises a pocket on said inside surface of said front panel, wherein said pocket slidably receives a plate; and (b) a back panel having a top side and a bottom side, wherein said front panel and said back panel are attached at the said bottom side of said front panel and said bottom side of said back panel.
 2. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 12, wherein said front panel and said back panel are attached permanently at said bottom side of said front panel and said bottom side of said back panel via at least one hinge.
 3. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 12, wherein said back panel and said front panel are attached releasably at said top side of said front panel and said top side of said bottom panel via a magnetic latch.
 4. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 12, further comprising a magnetic ring, wherein said magnetic ring is attached to said back panel.
 5. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 12, further comprising at least one mounting bracket, wherein said mounting bracket is attached to said back panel.
 6. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 12, wherein said storage unit has an open and closed position.
 7. A dinnerware storage unit comprising (a) a top panel and a bottom panel; (b) a back panel and two side panels, wherein said back panel and said two side panels are joined between said top panel and said bottom panel forming an internal compartment; wherein said internal compartment is divided into a first section and a second section, wherein said first section of said internal compartment slidably receives a plate and said second section of said internal compartment slidably receives a utensil; and (c) a front panel, wherein said front panel is attached to said top panel and said bottom panel.
 8. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 18, wherein said front panel is releasably attached to said top panel via a magnetic latch.
 9. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 18, wherein said front panel is permanently attached to said bottom panel via at least one hinge.
 10. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 18, further comprising a magnetic ring, wherein said magnetic ring is attached to said top panel.
 11. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 18, further comprising at least one mounting bracket, wherein said mounting bracket is attached to said top panel.
 12. The dinnerware storage unit of claim 18, wherein said storage unit has an open and closed position. 